TECHNICAL

SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 Paper Size and Layout
• Use 8 ½ x 11” size, white, substance 20 papers.

• Paper must be printed in portrait mode. Landscape mode is

discouraged except for purposes of accommodating
unusually large tables, illustrations and the like.
1.2 Margins
To provide allowance for trimming during binding, every page of the manuscript
must meet these minimum margin standards:
Top 1.0”
Bottom 1.0”
Right 1.0”
Left 1.0”
All manuscript materials must fit within these margin requirements including
page numbers, tables, figures and graphs.
1.3 Fonts and Font Size
• Times New Roman should be used all throughout all
sections of the thesis.

• A 12-point font size should be observed except for large

tables, charts, graphs and or figures.
1.4 Binding and Labeling
The manuscript is bound using hard cover with the following colors for the
different colleges/department:

• The cover itself must be wrapped in transparent plastic.

• The hard cover must contain the following: (1) thesis title in uppercase,
font size 14; (2) MSU Buug logo observing the size 3”x3”; (3) names of the
author’s all in upper case; (4) course; and (5) month and year.
• The student incorporates the required revisions and submits the revised
copy to the members of the Advisory Panel for approval.
• FORM 6: PLAGIARISM CHECK REPORT should be
complied before the approval for binding.
• Form 7: APPROVAL FOR BINDING must be
accomplished before the students can reproduce copies of
the manuscript for binding.
• No other pages may be added to the manuscript after it has
been approved and returned to the students for reproduction
and binding. (See sample format 1)
1.5 Flyleaf
• There must be one flyleaf that is attached between the
front cover and title page and between the back cover and
the curriculum vitae.
2. Organization of the Thesis
• The manuscript be must be arranged in the following
sequence:
2.1 Preliminary Pages
2.1.1 Title Page
• This page contains the thesis title, the name of the institution, the academic
degree, the name of the author, and the month and year when the thesis is
approved by the committee on oral examination.
• The title of the thesis shall be typed in uppercase letters, centered single spaced
and current symmetry in inverted pyramid h APA 6th Edition.
• The names of the institution shall be typed in uppercase letters.
• The title page is counted as a page i (lowercase Roman numeral) but
unmarked. The pagination is reflected in the Table of Contents.
2.1.2 Approval Sheet
• The title page follows the title page.
• It has a page number (ii), which appears one inch from the top of the paper.
• The heading of this page is APPROVAL SHEET typed in uppercase letters and
centered while the statement of acceptance is typed double-spaced in the usual
indented form.
• The approval sheet has 3 parts. First part indicates the recommendation for
approval of the adviser; the second part shows the approval of the panel on oral
examination and the date of approval and the last part indicates the acceptance
of the study the dean of the college and the Vice Chancellor for Research
Extension and Development.
• Every part is partitioned by a broken line.
• The title and the name of the researcher are typed in
uppercase letters.
•For authenticity, the dry seal of the Unit shall be affixed on
the approval sheets.

(See Sample Format 3)

2.1.3 Dedication
•It should not be more than one page and in case of mote than one
author, all names will appear at the end of the dedication.
• Font style and font size shall be the same with the rest of the thesis.
• The heading DEDICATION shall appear on the top centered and in
uppercase letters.

(See Sample Format 4)

2.1.4 Acknowledgement
• The word ACKNOWLEDGEMENT is in uppercase and
centered.
• This page expresses the author’s recognition of and
appreciation for any special assistance by individuals or
institutions that have made important contribution in the
study.
• This part should not exceed 1 page.

(See Sample Format 5)

2.1.5 Abstract
• The body of the Abstract is type in single-spaced and without indention.
• It shall be include the title of the thesis in title case capitalization, name of the researcher and
name of the institution. Below the aforementioned information will be the label Abstract.
• It must include 3-5 keywords and arranged according to order if importance. It must have the
label Keyword, two single spaces after the last line and italicized.
• Keywords to be considered include the setting, methodology, specimen and important
variables of the study.
The abstract shall be typed in paragraph form without indention and shall be justified. It shall
include the background of the study, the statement of the problem, methodology, findings,
conclusion and recommendation.
• It must contain a minimum of 150 words and amaximum
of 250 words.
• The abstract must not exceed one page.

(See Sample Format 6)

2.1.6 Table of Contents
• The heading of this page is TABLE OF CONTENTS in uppercase letters and centered.
• Entries in the preliminary pages shall be typed in uppercase uppercase letters, single spaced.
• Space between the chapters is doubled.
• Sub-topics under a chapter shall be typed in single spaced.
• Sub-topics shall be typed in title case letters.
• Sub-topics shall be indented two tabs stop at 5.0” each tab stop. Page numbers shall be placed
at the right margin of the paper without dots connecting the title with the page number.
(See Sample Format 7)
2.1.7 List of Tables/Figures
• The headings of these pages shall be in uppercase letters and centered.
• Researcher should be consistent in the inclusion of tables and figures; if tables in one chapter
are included in the first, then table from all other chapters and appendices must be included.
• All tables and figures are arranged in increasing Arabic numeral
• Each entry must list the same title used for a table in the text.
• Presentation shall be single-spaced within and double-spaced between each entry and second
line should be indented.

(See Sample Format 8l

2.2 Main Body of the Thesis
Detailed organization of the main body of the thesis may vary among the
different types of research and academic disciplines. Type of research here is
categorized into: Qualitative Language Research, Survey, Experimental and
Capstone Projects. Though there are variations among the types of research, the
formatting of the body of the thesis must be followed consistently throughout.
The author must provide a short introduction of the chapter before writing the
sub topics.
2.2.1 Qualitative Language Research
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Background of the Study
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitation of the Study
Operational Definition of Terms
 Chapter 2- Review of Related Literature and Studies

Chapter 3- Methodology
Research Design
Data Corpus and/or Research Instruments
Data Gathering Procedure
Research Ethics
Data Analysis

Chapter 4 – Results and Discussions

Chapter 5 – Summary, Conclusion, Implication and Recommendations
2.2.2 Survey for Social Sciences and
Languages
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Background of the Study
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem Hypothesis (provide the null hypothesis)
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitation of the Study
Operational Definition of Terms
Chapter 2 – Review of Related Literature and Studies
Chapter 3 – Methodology

Research Design
Locale of the Study
Research Respondents
Sampling Procedure
Data Gathering Procedure
Research Instruments
Statistical Tools
Research Ethics
Data Analysis
Chapter 5- Summary, Conclusion, Implication
and Recommendations
Summary
Conclusion (in paragraph form)
Implication (in paragraph form)
Recommendations (list in numbers)
2.2.3 Survey for Natural Sciences and
Allied Sciences
Chapter 1-Introduction
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem (declarative sentence)
Objectives
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Conceptual Model
Hypothesis (provide the alternative hypothesis)
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitation of the Study
Chapter 2- Review of Related Literature and Studies
Chapter 3 - Methodology
Research Design
Locale of the Study
Research Respondents
Sampling Design and Procedure
Data Gathering Procedure
Research Instruments
Statistical Tools
Research Ethics
Data Analysis
 Chapter 4 – Results and Discussions
Chapter 5 – Summary, Conclusion, Implications and
Recommendations
Summary
Conclusion (in paragraph form)
Implications (in paragraph form)
Recommendations (list in numbers)
2.2.3 Experimental Research
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem (not in question form)
Objectives
Hypothesis (provide the alternative hypothesis)
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitation of the Study
Operational Definition of Terms
Chapter 2 – Review of Related Literature and Studies
Chapter 3-Materials and Methods
Materials
Methods
Chapter 4-Results and Discussion
(separate result and discussion by parameter)
Chapter 5- Conclusions and Recommendations Summary Recommendations
(list in numbers)
Conclusion (in paragraph form)
2.2.5 Capstone Project
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Project Context
Purpose and Description
Objectives Scope and Limitations

Chapter 2- Review of Related Literature/Systems

Chapter 3-Technical Background
Chapter 4-Methodology, Results and Discussion
Requirements Analysis
Requirements Documentation
Design of Software, Systems, Product, and/or Processes
Development Testing (where applicable)
Description of the Prototype (where applicable)
Implementation Plan (Infrastructure/Deployment) (where needed)
Implementation Results (where applicable)

Chapter 5-Recommendations
2.2.5 Chapters and Sub-topics
• The APA 6th Edition style for heading is adopted for the main body of the
thesis (Chapters 1-5). Major headings, or heading 1, are used for the titles of
chapters such as “Methods” or “Results”. Heading levels two to five are used for
subheadings. Each heading level is formatted differently.

• Title case capitalization means the first letter of the principal words shall be
capitalized.

• Sentence case capitalization means the only the first word and any proper
nouns shall be capitalized.
• Heading 1 shall be centered, bold and in title case capitalization.
• Heading 2 shall be left-aligned, bold and in title case capitalization.
• Heading 3 shall be indented, bold in sentence case capitalization and has a
final period. The body text begins immediately after the period.
• Heading 4 shall be indented, bold, italics, in sentence case capitalization and
has a final period.
• Heading 5 shall be indented, italics, in sentence case capitalization and has a
period. The body text begins immediately after point.
• Sub-topics will be typed after two single spaces after the last line.
• The first page of each chapter is counted but unmarked. All pages are marked
at the upper right-hand margin using Arabic numerals.
• Whenever a heading of a sub-topic appears near buttom of
page, it must be followed by at least one line of text or the heading
shall be forced to the top of the next page.

(See Sample Format 9)

2.2.6 Tables and Figures
• “Table” designates tabulated numerical data used in the body of the thesis and
appendices. “Figure” designates materials such as illustrations, charts, graphs,
maps, photographs, drawings, and the like.
• All tables and figures, if possible, should be located in such a way that they do
not run over into the next page. If this happens, the subsequent page of the table
must include at least the table number and the notation that it is continued,
something like “Table 1, cont.”
• Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively throughout the entire
paper.
• For tables and figures copied from other sources, the caption of such should include the
source.
• The word “Table” its number and the title or caption shall be typed in title case capitalization
from the left margin above the table.
• Fonts size can be minimized but Times New Roman will be the font style throughout the entire
paper.
• The parameters of the study shall be presented first before the table.
• There must be a statement after a presentation of a table in a page.
• Discussion on the content of the table shall be done after the table.
• Results shall be presented through the table but raw data shall be place on the appendicitis.
2.2.7 Operational Definition of Terms
• Only important terms or variables of the study shall be
defined operationally
• Terms to be defined are arranged alphabetically and shall
be in bold letters
• There must be a period after the term to be defined and the
definition shall subsequently and has to be in paragraph
form.
2.3 Terminal Parts
• The heading References is typed in title case capitalization, bold and positioned in the center.
• This must be in the same font style and font size as the rest of the paper.
• The entries in the bibliography are arranged in under hang single-space form with double
spacing in between reference and are justified.
• All references or information sources cited in any written work (i.e essays, reports, research
papers, etc.) need to be listed in a reference list on a separate page.
• The reference list is arranged in alphabetical order of the author’s last names.
• If there is more than one work by the same author, order them by publication date-oldest to
newest (therefore a 2004 publication would appear before a 2008 publication.)
• If there is no author the title moves to that position and the entry is alphabetized by the first
significant word, excluding words such as “A” or The”. If the title is long, it may be shortened
when citing in text.
• Use “&” instead of “and” when listing multiple authors of a source.
• The first line of the reference list entry is left-hand justified, while all subsequent lines are
consistently indented.
• Capitalize only the first word of the title and of the subtitles if there is one, plus any proper
names- i.e. only those words that would normally be capitalized.
• Italicized the title of the book, the title of the journal/series and the title of the web document.
• Do not create separate lists for each type of information source. Books, articles, web
documents, brochures, etc. are all arranged alphabetically in one list.
(See Appendix A for specific guidelines and sample Format 10)
2.3.2 Appendices
• The appendix provides a place for a supplementary material that is not necessary for inclusion
in any of the major chapters. Sample questionnaires, schedules, tables too detailed for the text
presentation, figures, technical notes, raw data, and permission letters are common appendix
materials.
• Appendices are presented in alphabetical order (A, B, C, D…)
• The heading Appendix’ and the title of the appendix such as ‘Letter to the Respondents’ shall
observe the title capitalization.
• The first to be appended will be based on the sequence of activities.
• The font style and size must be the same with the main text.
• Materials in an appendix may be single spaced.
• Flyleaf between the preceding topic and this page is not allowed.
(See Sample Format 11)
2.3.3 Curriculum Vitae
• It is a short biographical account of the author.
• It must of the same font style and size as the rest of the
paper.
• It must be included as the last item in the table of contents.

(See Sample Format 12)

3. Thesis Advisory Panel
3.1 Advisory Panel Composition
• The Advisory Panel, when created, is a group of qualified faculty
members who guide the students in writing their thesis/capstone.
• With the approval of the Research Instructor, the student will
nominate the members of the Advisory Panel which comprises (a)
the student’s thesis adviser; and (b) at most three members, one chair
and two members; however, in the unavailability of experts, two
members shall suffice.
3.2 Role of the Advisory Panel
• Sits in during the defense of the student, suggests and recommends revision if
necessary and decides on the outcome of the defense and grade of the student.

Roles and Tasks

Adviser:
• Guides the student researcher prior to the proposal defense.
• Initially reviews the work of the student researcher and see the technical
aspects of his advisee’s work.
• Determines the best time for the defense, considering the preparedness of the
student and of the other panel members.
• It is encouraged that advisers motivate advisees to present the results of the
study in a conference/forum or any selected activities.
• It is also encouraged that advisers motivate advisees to publish the study in
any reputable journals.
• Serves as the secretary during the defense to take note of the body’s inputs.
The adviser writes the suggestions and corrections of the body and reviews the
correction after the defense. A copy of the report shall be given to the student
researcher and to the members of the body that shall serve as bases of the panel
for the thesis flow.
3.3.2 Panel Members:
• A chairman shall be elected by the body among
themselves who shall lead and decide for the body.
• At least 3 days prior to the scheduled defense, the panel
members must review the paper and see to it that the
corrections are complied.
3.4 Qualifications
• 3.4.4 Adviser:
• Faculty member from MSU System who is expert in the area of specialization, however in case
of unavailability, a retired MSU faculty member can be nominated as adviser provided, he/she met
the qualifications and willing to extend his/her expertise.
• Must at least have master’s degree.
• Panel Member:
• Faculty member in MSU Buug, however, in case of unavailability of experts, faculty members from any reputable
SUCs or experts in the field of studies from other government agencies, non-government organizations and
instrumentalities may be considered.
• Must at least have master’s degree. For fields where there are no faculty members with master’s degree, a faculty
may qualify provided he/she meets the rest of the qualifications
✓ Had conducted/finished at least one research/capstone;
✓Must belong to the same/ allied unit/ field where the student is enrolled.
3.5 Changing of Adviser/Panel Member
• The composition of the advisory panel may be changed when there
is a strong necessitating the change, such as change of research topic,
disability or prolonged leave of absence by any member of the panel;
a strained working relationship between panel members or between
the adviser and the student; and the like. An adviser/panel member
may be removed/replaced only once with due process.
3.6 Oral Defense
• A thesis proposal is submitted by the student to the members of the Advisory Panel for a
proposal defense. Preferably, this is conducted within the semester prior to one’s enrolment in a
thesis course.
• OVCRED Form 2: APPROVAL FOR THESIS PROPOSAL DEFENSE must be filled out by
the student and submitted for this purpose.
• The Advisory Panel makes written comments, suggestions, and approves the proposal using
OVCRED Form 3: APPROVAL OF THESIS PROPOSAL
• When the formal work on the thesis as proposed is completed, the student can apply for final
defense, hence, FORM 4: APPLICATION FOR THESIS FINAL DEFENSE is filled out and
submitted to the research instructor.
• At the end of the final defense, the examiners shall submit a rating on the student’s
performance using OVCRED Form 5: THESIS ADVISORY PANEL REPORT to the Program
Coordinators.